Resources,
Referrals and Help
As
a principal of a private school for learning disabled children,
I am asked by parents and other professionals on a daily
basis for information on resources. With web access, Resources
for Children's source book (212-677-4650) and the "leave
no child behind legislation", one would expect that
reliable information is readily available yet when the need is
for low cost services or very specific services, my daily
interactions tell me that getting information is still difficult.
Three
opportunities have recently become available to parents.
One provides free psycho-educational evaluation, one free remediation
with a learning disabilities specialist, and one excellent
on-line support.
Free
Evaluations:
As
I am sure most parents and professionals are aware if you have
concerns about your child's academic progress you can request,
in writing, an evaluation from The Department of Education.
Therefore, one might wonder why a free private psycho-educational
evaluation might be desirable. There are two reasons:
First to get a second opinion, especially if you find yourself
in disagreement with the primary evaluation. Second,
the mandate of The Department of Education is to offer appropriate
services within a public school setting, not necessarily to provide
a diagnostic profile of your child as a learner. The
State College of Optometry, Learning Disabilities Unit has
recently received a grant to provide FREE evaluations for children
in grades k-8 with Medicaid (non HMO) or Centercare.
As part of this process your child will also receive a visual
and perceptual evaluation. Call 212-780-4960 for information.
Free
Remediation:
Often
parents face a difficult problem: they know that their child needs
Orton-Gillingham or multi-sensory remediation but they don't
know how to go about getting help. While many fabulous
well trained Learning Disabilities Specialists can be contacted
by calling The International Dyslexia Association (212-691-1930)
options are fewer when families lack financial resources.
Lady Liberty Educational Alliance was established to offer instruction
in reading and related language skills free of charge to
students who have not yet gained adequate skills in a standard
school setting despite intervention and who cannot afford private
fees. Contact Carol Kanter at 212-744-6121 (10-3).
Because Lady Liberty is a charity with all of its monies
committed to providing services, it must raise funds to continue
to provide remediation.
The Manhattan Jazz ensemble will perform a benefit concert at
The Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall on Friday May 16th
at 8PM. To support his unique and very worthy program call
for tickets at 212-247-7800 or go on-line to www.carnegiehall.org.
On-Line
Support:
Finally
for those parents new to the process or seeking information about
learning disabilities on the web try www.schwableasrning.org.
Charles Schwab, of brokerage fame, is dyslexic and has put
the considerable resources of his organization to work creating
a guide for parents and educators. Request a parent
or educator packet.
Education
Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001.
Tel: (212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919.Email: ednews1@aol.com.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express
consent of the publisher. © 2003.
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